The Types & Stages of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer accounts for less than 1.3% of all cancer cases, but 2.3% of all cancer deaths. With an estimated 22,440 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed each year, a woman has a 1 in 79 chance of developing invasive ovarian cancer in her lifetime.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is classified based on the cells in which the cancer starts. Most cases are divided into three distinct types:

Surface Epithelial Tumors begin in the cells covering the outer layer of the ovaries.

Germ Cell Tumors begin in cells that develop into ova or eggs.

Stromal Cell Tumors originate in cells that release hormones and connect the different structures within the ovaries

Surface Epithelial Tumors

Epithelial tumors account for 85 to 90% of ovarian cancer cases. These are among the most dangerous due to the fact that 70% of these cases will not be diagnosed until the cancer enters its later stages.

Five-year survival rates for Stage I epithelial tumors are as high as 90%. By the time the cancer has progressed to stage IV, survival rates drop to 17%.

Germ Cell Tumors

Germ cell tumors develop from the cells that produce eggs and account for 5% of all ovarian cancer cases. Most germ cell tumors are benign, meaning not harmful, but some, are malignant, meaning cancerous.

Germ cell tumors are most common in teens and women in their early twenties and 90% of these tumors are curable without affecting future fertility.

Stromal Tumors

Stromal tumors develop from cells in the ovaries’ connective tissue and those which produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. They are considered low-grade cancers, meaning the cells are slow-growing and look almost normal under a microscope. When diagnosed at stage I, such cancers have a 95% survival rate.

Ovarian Cancer Stages

In addition to identifying the type of cancer, gynecologic oncologists must also determine the stage of a cancer’s development. Ovarian cancer stages are determined during exploratory surgery to assess the size of the tumor and whether cancerous cells have spread (metastasized) to other organs.

Ovarian cancer is assigned four stages, represented by the Roman numerals I, II, III, and IV. Each stage is divided into subcategories that influence treatment options. Generally, catching ovarian cancer in the earlier stages offers a better prognosis.

Ovarian Cancer Stages: Stage I

Stage I ovarian cancer indicates cancerous cells are confined to the ovaries. Stage I is divided into three subcategories:

IA: the cancer is confined to a single ovary

IB: the cancer is present in both ovaries

IC: the tissue or capsule enclosing the tumorous cells has ruptured in one or both ovaries

Stage IC is further divided into three possible subcategories:

IC1: the capsule enclosing the tumor ruptured during surgery

IC2: the capsule ruptured prior to surgery

IC3: the pelvic or abdominal fluid contains cancerous cells

Ovarian Cancer Stages: Stage II

Stage II ovarian cancer indicates the cancer has extended into the pelvis in addition to one or both ovaries. Stage II is broken down into two subcategories:

Understanding ovarian cancer stages and grades helps women take an active role in their own treatment as they work with their oncologists to design the most effective treatment plan for themselves.

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